MediaTek will demonstrate breakthrough 5G NTN two-way satellite communications technology to create reliable global connections for smartphones and other devices

MediaTek to demonstrate breakthrough 5G NTN two-way satellite communications technology

Establish reliable global connectivity for devices such as smartphones

On February 24, 2023, MediaTek will demonstrate breakthrough 3GPP 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology during the 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC 2023), providing two-way satellite communication application support for smartphones. The first batch of smartphones using MediaTek satellite communication technology will also be launched, and more devices will be unveiled this year. In addition, MediaTek will also share next-generation 5G non-terrestrial network technology to prepare for new devices that support satellite communications in the future.

Satellite networks are designed to fill gaps in mobile network coverage and provide devices with a reliable way to communicate over long distances. With satellite communications-enabled smartphones, users can stay connected while hiking, driving in remote areas, on boats and other areas without mobile network connectivity. This not only gives users greater peace of mind but also helps them seek assistance in emergency situations. Today, the biggest market opportunity for 3GPP non-terrestrial network technology is the smartphone industry. In addition, the demand for satellite communications in IoT applications such as agriculture, forestry, and logistics is also growing year by year. In the next few years, the automotive industry will also become an important market for satellite communication technology.

Dr. Xu Jingquan, Deputy General Manager of MediaTek and General Manager of Wireless Communications Division, said, "Two-way satellite communication technology on smartphones and other devices is of epoch-making significance and can open up more new possibilities in many different vertical fields. We are based on 3GPP NTN-standard independent chipset MT6825 can be integrated into flagship smartphones to provide a seamless satellite communication experience.”

In the next few years, MediaTek's satellite communications product portfolio will develop IoT-NTN and NR-NTN technologies based on the 3GPP 5G R17 standard. IoT-NTN technology is designed for low-speed connections and is ideal for transmitting information. NR-NTN technology allows for higher connection rates, supporting applications such as video calling. The current satellite network supports IoT-NTN on a large scale, and the first batch of smartphones and other devices powered by MediaTek will support this two-way satellite communication technology.

MediaTek collaborates with Bullitt to launch the first commercial smartphones using 3GPP NTN technology: Motorola defy 2 and CAT S75. Both smartphones use MediaTek MT6825 3GPP NTN chipset and support Bullitt satellite communication services. Bullitt satellite communication services will continue to provide two-way satellite communication information transmission, location sharing and emergency SOS functions to global users.

MediaTek's upcoming NR-NTN chipset will provide devices with higher connection rates for applications such as navigation and real-time communications. Satellite networks will empower NR-NTN applications in the coming years, opening up promising personal, enterprise and industrial use cases and helping smartphones, IoT devices and cars gain reliable connectivity advantages.

MediaTek's IoT-NTN solution uses a stand-alone chipset design to make it easy for device manufacturers to integrate two-way satellite communication technology into 5G and 4G devices such as smartphones. Unlike other non-standardized solutions, MediaTek adopts the 3GPP R17 NTN open standard. For OEM manufacturers or operators, there is no need to develop products for a specific single specification, and it is more flexible.

In addition to supporting the 3GPP R17 NTN advanced standard, the MediaTek MT6825 IoT-NTN chipset also has many other functions. MediaTek MT6825 can connect to geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites and is easily converted to 3GPP NTN standard satellite networks for use. MediaTek MT6825 allows devices to automatically receive information from satellites, providing a seamless satellite communications experience unlike similar solutions that require users to manually check information. At the same time, the chipset can help devices have longer battery life, and the highly integrated design helps speed up the product launch process.

Over the years, as an important contributor to the 3GPP NTN standard, MediaTek has actively promoted satellite communication technology innovation and continued to work closely with industry leaders to test and develop advanced 5G NTN solutions.

MediaTek will demonstrate advanced satellite communication technology during the Mobile World Congress 2023 (MWC 2023) in Barcelona, ​​Spain, from February 27 to March 2, 2023. Attendees can visit booth 3D10 in Hall 3.